Yes, I Do(n't)

Chapter 28: The madams of the Xiao family

Concubine Li Xiyin and First Princess Nangong Rouran enjoy their casual talk with the madams of the Xiao family. Though they know that the third madam, Concubine Feng Wen, is quite a calculating and cunning woman but, towards the children, she has nothing but love for each of them. The Xiao family has been famously known for spoiling the Xiao Ke Ai ever since she has been borne. That girl and her birth mother, Concubine Hua Meili, are accepted and loved by all due to their lovable and honest nature. Concubine Hua Meili loves her husband so much but, she has been treating the other madams with respect, kindness, and love. She treasured each of the madams as if they are her own sisters. The young masters too treated her as if she is their own mother. She always speaks gently and smiles lovingly for her husband, the other madams, and her children. The Xiao family live rather peacefully in unity because of the mother-daughter pair.

They talk a little bit more before they excuse themselves to go back to the Shen Residence for the day. As they say their goodbyes, Prime Minister Xiao and his oldest son together with the youngest son have just returned back from the palace. Not long after their return, the third young master is walking together with the Xiao Ke Ai who is laughing at something he has just said.

Concubine Li Xiyin smiles and says, "Good day, Prime Minister Xiao. Good day, young masters. Good day, Second Miss Xiao. Both my daughter-in-law and I will be leaving now. I have already conveyed my wish to the madams."

Prime Minister Xiao and his sons smile at both of them. And, let both women pass and walk out from the waiting hall as they watch in unison. Concubine Li Xiyin is indeed a beautiful woman with a dignified manner. She is known to be a benevolent stepmother and had raised the Eldest Miss Shen as if she is her own daughter. Even her children treat Eldest Miss Shen with kindness and love. Eldest Miss Shen has been known to be quite a recluse and acted quite distant even to her own family members in the past. Despite her cold and distant nature, Concubine Li Xiyin never treats her unfairly. She even accommodates her stepdaughter's 'weaknesses' by telling others that she has been unwell and because of it, she has to stay in her courtyard most of the times to gently refuse any social gatherings' invitations from other families including the royal family.

That courtyard of hers is filled with precious and expensive pieces of furniture with highly trained maidservants and expert guards to be by her side 24/7. Even her dowries are known to be quite extravagant; some are inherited from her late mother, some are given by her father, some are given by her stepmother, some are given by her older brother and his wife and some are given by her imperial aunt including her paternal and maternal grandparents (to compensate her to grow up without her birth mother). Eldest Miss Shen is said to be one of the richest young miss in their kingdom, and some even said, she is the richest one of all. Despite all the blessings, she refused to go out and concentrated on her 'lessons' on how to be a perfect crown princess. Now, everyone has heard her drastic changes in her attitude, but she still refused to let others see her true appearance.

"Madams, why are they here?" Prime Minister Xiao Zhengzhi asked as he sits on his usual seat.

Concubine Hua Meili looks at the other madams before she gently sits next to him, "Husband, they are here to ask permission for Ke Ai to continue her martial arts training at their manor. You do know about the current situation right..."

First Young Master Xiao Zhuangyan then says, "We knew about it. Just for today, His Majesty has met General Shen twice to discuss this very matter. They must have been so worried right now."

First Madam Jing Lanhua then says, "Indeed. For now, they have refrained Eldest Miss Shen from going out of their manor to prevent any unwanted incidents. That is why Madam Li Xiyin together with Her Royal Highness came here to ask permission from us to allow Ke Ai to come there for her training. All five of us have agreed to let her continue her training there and, for the time being, she will be staying there too until the day of the banquet."

Prime Minister Xiao Zhengzhi stares at his main wife and before he can say anything, a soft voice can be heard saying, "Husband, I personally think it will be better for Ke Ai to be staying there temporarily. That girl never really has any friend that treats her sincerely. I hope that you will agree..."

Concubine Hua Meili looks at him with pleading eyes while she holds onto one of his hand. First Madam Jing Lanhua and the other concubines discreetly smile because they knew that their husband will never refuse to Concubine Hua Meili's request. That gentle and loving woman is definitely the most cunning one out of all the madams. Their husband can never win against her subtle yet effective way of getting what she wants for all these years. That is the reason why each of them treated her with respect, she always makes sure that they will never be slighted by their husband as well.

First Young Master Xiao Zhuangyan then says, "But, father..."

He immediately stops when he realized that his mother is watching him with a smiling expression on her face. Though she is smiling, he knew that her 'smile' is meant as a warning to him. His younger brothers are pretending to just sit on their seats in silence because their own mothers shot a warning stare at them too. Seems like the decision has been made by their mothers with or without their father's agreement. Both Third Young Master Xiao Yingyong and Fourth Young Master Xiao Fuyuan realize that their main mother glares at their directions too so they calmly sip on their tea and let their older brother suffer the consequences.

In their manor, the men of the family will never be able to win against the women of the family. Outside the manor, each of them is known for their talents and capabilities but, here, their talents and capabilities meant nothing for the madams. On the other hand, Xiao Ke Ai, is a privileged family member because she has been spoiled by their mothers and father ever since she has been borne. Not like they are against it as they too spoil her rotten. Her future mother-in-law and fiancé have fallen into her lovable charms as well.

Though the Eldest Miss Shen seems to favour their adorable sister for her charms, she is more level-headed in her approach. Obviously, Eldest Miss Shen is an individual with a dominant trait.

Concubine Li Meigui then smiles and says, "Husband, I do personally think that it is time for Ke Ai to learn more about the outside world and able to form a bond with the young misses of the Shen family. Those young misses are definitely trustworthy and will not do anything that will cause any harm to our precious Ke Ai."

Prime Minister Xiao Zhengzhi softly sigh and admit defeat. It is not like he can ask for support from his sons who, by now, are terrified by his wives too. After all, his beloved Meili will not take "no" for an answer.

As they are busy amongst themselves, they have forgotten a slightly shock Xiao Ke Ai who by now trying to calm herself down from the bubbling excitement within herself.